FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and National Fitness Campaign Provide Free Fitness for Campus and Local Community
State-of-the-Art Outdoor Fitness Court® Studio Coming to the Outdoor Center Playfields
(CHAMPAIGN, Ill., - April 9, 2024) — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Illinois) and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® Studio and digital wellness programming to the Urbana campus. The Fitness Court Studio, located on E. Gregory Drive, adjacent to the Campus Bike Center, will open on Tuesday, April 16 at 1 p.m. with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Fitness Court Studio will be the first to launch in the state of Illinois.
Serving as the largest and most diverse college campus in Illinois, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the central hub of activity for students, faculty, staff and the greater community. Located on the edge of campus and close to several Champaign neighborhoods, the location of the Fitness Court Studio is in close proximity to other outdoor recreation opportunities. The Fitness Court Studio will be accessible to approximately 55,000 students, 10,000 faculty and staff and will be within walking and biking distance of approximately 48,211 local residents.
This new Fitness Court Studio at Illinois features two workout areas separated by a mural wall to inspire people as they enjoy the benefits and energy created by a great outdoor workout. The Fitness Court Studio delivers the powerful seven minute full body workout on one side and a versatile outdoor class area for enjoying yoga, Zumba, pilates and other popular group wellness activities on the opposite side. Created with people aged 14 and over and with all abilities in mind, the workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users also may download the free Fitness Court App which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience.
“Regular exercise is essential to maintaining personal health and reducing health care costs,” said Katie Cangemi, senior program officer of community investment, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. “Blue Cross is committed to promoting better health in our communities, and this Fitness Court Studio makes it easy for anyone at any fitness level to get a good outdoor workout, connect with neighbors, and stay healthy.”
“The introduction of the Fitness Court Studio to our campus underscores the university’s commitment to accessibility and collaborative partnerships,” said Marcus Jackson, Executive Director of Campus Recreation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “By prioritizing preventative health measures through regular exercise, we not only enhance individual well-being, but also reinforce our collective dedication to fostering longevity and vitality for everyone.”
“National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome the University of Illinois to the campaign as the leading higher education partner in Illinois, championing health and wellness for their campus community and the residents of Champaign,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. “The addition of the Fitness Court Studio, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the campus community.”
Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to attend an opening day launch event on Tuesday, April 16 at 1 p.m. to try the Fitness Court Studio. For more information, visit the online event calendar, or contact Campus Recreation at 217.333.3806. For more information on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois’ support of NFC, please visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/illinois.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is committed to expanding access to quality, cost-effective health care to as many people as possible in Illinois. BCBSIL is dedicated to innovation and exploring, nurturing and activating future possibilities to make the healthcare system work better for our members and our communities. BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.
About National Fitness Campaign
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign is a wellness consulting firm that provides programs and services to cities, schools and sponsors. Our mission is to build healthy communities nationwide. The campaign delivers an integrated wellness initiative, centered around the Fitness Court®– the world's best outdoor gym. National Fitness Campaign welcomed its 500th healthy community in 2023, as it continues to grow the country’s largest public-private partnership in support of wellness with the goal of building a Fitness Court® within a 10-minute bike ride of every American. Follow along with National Fitness Campaign at nationalfitnesscampaign.com or on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
